Our Little Guy is Growing Up

Rowan turned 4 years old this week, which was a great celebration for most of us. For me, it was bittersweet. I really wanted Rowan to stay little, but as one of my favorite blogs is aptly named: Babies Don't Keep. And neither do little boys.

We had a small party for Rowan, and the highlight 

for him was unwrapping his presents! 

Allie made this gift for him––a block of wood 

on which she painted a yellow "R" for Rowan.

Family portraits

The anticipation of blowing out that cool number "4" candle put a smile on Rowan's face.

A few days later, we celebrated Rowan's actual birthday with presents just from us.

Allie, the newest gift-giver in our family, had been in the store one day with Rowan when he saw this squishy fish and said he liked it. She decided she was going to do enough jobs to buy the fish and give it to Rowan for his birthday (this was over the summer). She made good on her promise, and had the joy of giving Rowan a present he really liked!

Rowan's card plays a silly song that makes him smile and dance whenever he hears it. 

He keeps it in his nightstand and listens to it every night before he goes to bed. 

The terrific trio!

Hanging with his Daddy.